LeaderShift: The Freedom Movement
Posted by Orrin Woodward on February 27, 2013
LeaderShift by Orrin Woodward & Oliver DeMille
LeaderShift isn’t a political party, but it is a freedom movement of productive members in society (of both left and right persuasions), who are concerned about the decline in dialogue, decision-making, and direction of our country’s political leaders. Oliver DeMille and I wrote LeaderShift to provide new thinking to an old problem, using the Five Laws of Decline to describe the process. Governments, by their very nature, tend to centralize and control. Indeed, local leadership and freedoms are inversely proportional to centralized powers and control.
Consequently, LeaderShift isn’t just a book, but a movement to restore the freedoms lost over the last 100 years (read 1913 for more details). I have included an article by Oliver DeMille on his thoughts of the failure of America’s party system to revive the American dream. Interestingly, Oliver and I, from independent tracks, both came to the same conclusion that entrepreneurs must teach the concepts of dreaming, goal-setting, and learning within the framework of freedom! Oliver is one of the best thinkers on society, state, and freedom that I know and I enjoy our friendship immensely. This article will make the reader think.
Sincerely,
In the aftermath of the 2012 election, there have been numerous emails, posts, articles and blogs by business owners who say they are planning to sell or close their businesses, or just lay off enough workers that they can afford Obamacare for the employees who remain.
One summary listed the following announced layoffs—all attempts to deal with the new costs of Obamacare:
- Welch Allyn, 275 layoffs
- Stryker, 1170 layoffs
- Boston Scientific, between 1200 and 1400 layoffs
- Medtronic, 1000 layoffs
- Smith and Nephew, 770 layoffs
- Hill Rom, 200 layoffs
- Kinetic Concepts, 427 layoffs
- Coviden, 595 layoffs
- Abbot Labs, 427 layoffs
- St. June Medical, 300 layoffs
There are many, many others.
One email dated November 7, the day after the election, read:
“Time to sell our business. We can no longer afford to provide a living for 14 employees as soon we’re forced to pay for their healthcare. So sad, too bad. On to new ventures.”
After responses about how sad this is and others pointedly blaming the Obama Administration, the same person continued:
“We are all Americans and need to find common ground and make this country great together. I’m not mad at anyone for voting different than me. They love their president, don’t lose friends over calling him a dictator. I’m excited to sell our business. We are adventurous!”
That’s the entrepreneurial spirit that made America great.
Not: “Oh no, we’re losing our job. Will the government help us?”
But rather: “Hey, change happens. We’re excited. This is going to be an adventure!”
That’s the American spirit.
And while rumors abound about how much Obamacare will cost each small business and which won’t have to make any changes at all, there are a lot of employers right now who are very concerned.
Those with under 50 employees aren’t supposed to be hurt, but smaller employers are still worried about exactly how the new laws will be enforced.
Sadly, we will likely see a lot of change in small business in the months and years just ahead.
More regulation, higher taxes and drastically increased costs of employing people will make things more difficult.
An exception may be in network marketing companies or compensated communities.
I’ve long considered them among the top entrepreneurial opportunities in free nations, and with the current changes and policies this is even more true.
“My son is a doctor,” Marge said proudly.
“Wow,” Betty said with a concerned voice. “How is your son dealing with the new regulations coming into effect under Obamacare?” she asked.
Marge nodded and her face grew serious. “He’s very concerned, to tell the truth.”
“Fortunately, my son is building a huge network marketing company, and the regulations aren’t hurting him much,” Betty said. “Maybe your son would like to meet with mine about an opportunity?”
This kind of conversation is taking place a lot right now, and all indications are that it will increase.
Some parents are recommending that their college children put school on hold and start a network business, and I know two medical doctors who have gotten out of the profession in order to build networking businesses.
One of them talked two of his sons into quitting college and doing the same, though the three of them all ended up building networking organizations with entirely different companies.
II. The Party of Small Business
All of this got me thinking today, and as I pondered I realized something. Something big.
Something we really need right now in America.
We need a third party.
Actually, we need a new party that becomes more popular than the Republican Party and the Democratic Party.
There are more independents than members of either big party, so this shouldn’t be too much of a stretch.
Here’s the problem: The Democratic Party is now the unabashed party of big government, the welfare state, rule from Washington D.C., and everything that goes with these values.
The Republican Party touts itself as the party of freedom, limited government, free markets and business, but in fact it is the party of big business and a big-spending government at the same or just slightly lower levels than Democrats.
We have a party of Big Government (with big business as its co-pilot), and another party that emphasizes Big Business (with big government as its co-pilot).
The first is the Democratic Party, the second the GOP.
Neither is now effectively serving the needs of our nation.
As a result, we get bigger government regardless of who gets elected, and big business grows (to the frequent detriment of small businesses) regardless of who is in power in Washington.
In all of this, small businesses, families, communities and the middle class are the losers.
The solution? We need a party of small business.
We need a party whose top priority is the needs of families and small businesses.
This new party needs to reject the big-government and anti-free enterprise values of the Democrats and simultaneously the big-business and anti-immigrant attitudes of Republicans.
It needs to embrace toleration, diversity, reduced government regulations, lower taxes, decreased government spending, incentives for entrepreneurship, a charitable safety net, and incentives for more immigrants to bring their capital, businesses, labor and families to America.
It needs to get rid of the barriers to hiring (such as the increasing required health care costs) and drastically reduce government red tape for small businesses.
It needs to allow more innovation, shrink requirements on licenses and permits and other unnecessary costs that decrease entrepreneurship and growth, and create an environment of seamless partnerships between schools and businesses.
It needs to promote, encourage and incentive a lot more initiative, innovation and entrepreneurialism.
It also needs to push for more creative and independent thinking in the schools and less that is rote, conveyor-belt, and pre-scripted.
It should change the way schools are run, replacing an environment where administrators and bureaucrats feel comfortable to one led by proven innovators and others who have been successful in the real economy, the FOR-profit economy.
Forget teacher certification and unions—if we want to compete in the global economy we need innovators leading our classrooms.
As an example, principals and teachers should be hired who have excelled at implementing successful business plans rather than writing resumes.
And funding should flow to schools that excel in a true free market.
To ensure to that no child is left behind (for example in less-advantaged neighborhoods), even larger premiums should go to innovators who successfully turn dumpy schools into flourishing institutions whose graduates thrive.
The new party should apply similar principles to other kinds of organizations, from health care and community governments to every other sector of the economy.
Small businesses bring the large majority of growth in the economy, and the new party needs to begin with the specific needs of small businesses in mind.
It needs to identify things that hurt small business and repeal them, and find out what helps small businesses succeed and introduce more policies that encourage these things.
It needs to rewrite the commercial and legal code to create an environment where innovation is the norm, along with the values of growth, calculated risk, leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurialism.
It needs to be not the party of jobs, but the party of successful business ownership—and the jobs they naturally create.
III. A Bright Future?
We need a third party. The party of Big Government (with big business as co-pilot) and the party of Big Business (with big government as co-pilot) simply aren’t doing what our nation needs anymore.
It’s time for new thinking and new leadership.
There is an old saying that you can’t pour new wine into old bottles, because the residue of past wine always taints the new.
This is where we are in America.
The current parties, as much good as both have done at times, have peaked and are in decline.
New leadership is needed, along new values untainted by the baggage of two parties whose time has come and gone.
It is perhaps possible to reform one of the parties to get better results, but it is likely that only a new party with an entirely new focus and fresh thinking is going to take America where it needs to go.
Democratic nations are notorious for refusing to change until crisis forces their hand, and I suspect this is what we’ll witness in the 21st Century.
At some point, probably after major crisis and a superhuman American response, we’re going to need a new party.
Those who love freedom should start thinking about what it should look like.
One thing is clear: When it does come, it needs to be a party of small business.
Free enterprise and the entrepreneurial spirit made America great, and it will do so again if we let it.
Whatever comes in the economy, we want to be led by those whose attitude is, “It might sound bad, but this is an exciting adventure! Let’s get started…”
75 Responses to “LeaderShift: The Freedom Movement”
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Brandon Perry said
Thank you for this post Orrin. I agree both parties are really not doing much to advance our country. And it’s time for Americans to wake up and realize this is our country and we need to be more responsible for our lives. I’m a big believer in the small business owner. I have a lot of friends that own one, and personally see the pain they go through from all the government weigh down. As I’ve read before if we keep adding more to the hikers pack he will no longer hike! I’m looking forward to reading this book and getting it out to friends and family. I also look forward to being a bigger part of the change in my country so that my nephew and future generations of Perry’s have freedom as well.
Wendi Witkowski said
Orrin Woodward and Oliver Demille’s Leadershift is just what this country needs and the timing can’t be more perfect. The Life community is the trim tab this country needs to get it back on course!
Jonny Nolan said
Great article Orrin and Oliver! Thanks for sharing.
Lee Weishar said
Wow, that article by Oliver was amazing! I can’t wait for the book, and to start thinking about how we can apply it here in Canada. We are in the same boat after all!
Orrin Woodward said
Lee, yes you are. In fact, all Western Society is in the same boat and we need to be the example of how to fix it for our brothers and sisters! thanks, Orrin
Clint Fix said
“We have a party of Big Government (with big business as its co-pilot), and another party that emphasizes Big Business with big government as its co-pilot)” – This is, unfortunately, spot on. The current system is NOT working!
I’m glad that you, Oliver, and the LIFE community are working tirelessly to educate people and help them understand the brokenness of the current system and offering positive, workable solutions. I can’t wait for Leadershift to come out! I’ve ordered a bunch on Barnes and Noble. I want to get it into as many peoples’ hands as possible. I hope everyone reading this blog orders a bunch of copies to hand out, sell, give away as presents, etc.
Kirk Porter said
Great article Orrin, I can’t wait for the book for the book to come out!
Chris miller said
The time is now!! Can’t wait to read Leadershift!!
Dan Hawkins said
Thank you Orrin and Oliver for leading this movement. I am so excited to be a business owner in LIFE that is ready to lead real change and promote government to it rightful position of protecting Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness. We the people must act now! It is time to unite business owners and freedom lovers across this great country and start the next Freedom Shift!
Jammie Fisher said
We are excited to be following you both and waiting with great anticipation to read LeaderShift! Thanks for the post here.
Fishers
Steve Leurquin said
It’s exciting to hear fresh thinking that offers ideas on how to create real hope and change rather than blame and ideas that have proven over history not to work. I am looking forward very much to Leadershift and the impact on thinking the book’s ideas will create.
Tim Jarvinen said
Leaders lead. As importantly, leaders think and follow. Amazing to realize we have the example of the Bible and history to learn from yet how far we have veered as a nation, culture, and government. Anxious to get your book! Thank you!
Jeff Darling said
WOW! Great article that any hardworking, freedom loving individual should get excited about! What a great opportunity we have before us, one to change the course of a declining society and get people living a LIFE of significance (restoring FREEDOM for generations to come). We need to get this post out to our circles of influence to get them excited about the launch of “Leadershift” and our adventure ahead! Thanks Orrin & Oliver for sharing.
Lisa Volkmann said
Awesome – so very true – cannot wait for book to arrive!
John Lewis said
Thanks for sharing Orrin. You and Oliver are offering solutions when so many are just pointing fingers. Thanks for all you do!
Steve Duba said
Thanks Orrin You said it a long time ago,leadership is about standing in the gap.Its time for the people of this country to step
and stop living a settle for life.The opportunity to make a difference is here and now.Its going to take incredible courage.Its takes guts to leave the ruts.Thank you and Oliver both for your tenacity and vigilance in the greater cause.We will make a legacy for our children to be proud of by stepping out of that ever tempting comfort zone.So proud to be involved with this cause !!!!!
Bill schmidt said
Orrin wow thanks for the article! We do need to restore our freedoms! When I sold my restaurant last June, being a small business, I knew I had to take on another adventure, I wasnt looking on it as a bad thing, I was just looking at it as a new chapter in my life! What we do in the life business is change lives and fight for freedom everyday! Not something I was doing at my restaurant everyday for sure!
Can’t wait to read Leadershift! Orrin and Oliver are great ambassadors for this country!
Thank you!
Krista Streuly said
Yes! An official call for a third party! When the majority of people are no longer represented by anyone in their government, it is time for the people to create their representation! We still have the right to represent ourselves and ELECT (choose) our representation. That means NOT filling out a multiple choice “test” or ballot of the least harmful, but choosing the BEST representation… writing in, “essay-ing” in our CHOICE.
Life is not a multiple choice test to just pass or “get by”. It’s a book we write, filled with our stories of struggles and victories, truth and the battle to uphold it, left for future generations to learn from and remember us by.
Calling all Americans! Your time to serve has come!
Ali Staneart said
I cannot wait to read “Leadershift”! I love being a LIFE business owner and our futures so bright, we’ve gotta wear shades! Lol! Thank you Orrin! Fired up!
Rebecca Klingberg said
I’ve often said that we need to clean house at all levels of government and get people who know how to run a business the way it needs to be run in office. I always get laughed at.
After reading this article, I guess I’m not so far off.
Rob Robson said
Thanks so much for the article Orrin! You and Oliver DeMille are right, the 2 party system is such a scam! It is really just like to mafia families battling in a turf war to see who will earn the right to be the legal looter. We do need a liberty part. One that values ALL LIFE and the simple principal that we can only delegate authority to our employees (govt.) that we already have as individuals. If I as an individual can’t print money based on nothing, neither can my government. If I can’t use my gun to to steal your money in order to give it to someone else, neither can my government. If I can’t use force to take your money and your son or daughter to fight my private (undeclared) war, neither can my government. If I can’t use my gun to force you not to ingest harmful food or even drugs into your body, neither can my government.
It is easy to see that any time we authorize government to “protect” us by taking away our rights, society responds by taking less and less responsibility for their own actions. I am so proud to be associated with the LIFE business leaders and grateful to be part of a movement that is the “tip of the bit” in the liberty revolution!
RICHARD C TUTTLE RPh said
ORIN AWESOME POST I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD FORWARD IT TO THEIR OWN
STATE & NATIONAL HOUSE REPS & SENATORS OR WHAT EVER YOUR STATE GOV.
USES TO GOVERN
Rick Monsipapa said
We have preordered ten books and we are ready to sign up for the new small business party.
Michelle Perry said
Count me in! I don’t know what else to say, that was fired up!
Scott Staley said
Great article Orrin – this has definitely fuelled my appetite to get Leadershift! I love the approach of not stopping at problem identification – but adding in solutions.
Andrew Rockwell said
Amazing! I get chills just thinking about what the next 5-10 years will bring. Also, it is pretty cool Leadershift will be launched 100 years after 1913. Coincidental? I wonder… 🙂
Kelly Bowlin said
Amazing article! Can’t wait to read Leadershift. Thanks Orrin and Oliver.
Randy Robson said
Great stuff! Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, George Guzzardo, Claude Hamilton, Bill Lewis, Dan Hawkins, Wayne MacNamara, and Tim Marks have such great blogs! I love the information being taught in the LIFE business. Thank you!
Dean Strube said
Can’t wait to read the book that is going to kick start the third party you are talking about. This has been a long time coming
Barb Bartel said
All so totally true! Can’t wait for the book to be released. We need to wake people up and get them thinking again!
Imelda Roman said
Wow, great words of wisdom. Our Nation needs a change! Thank you for your leadership!
Lisa Elliott said
Great post.
Shawn Szalai said
Looking forward to getting my hands on the book written by these 2 extraordinary MEN.
Chad Waters said
Great Blog Orrin!
Can’t wait for this book! The anticipation of how it will help change the world is so exciting!
Keep leading! Love the Servant leadership!
Rick Green said
OMG, what an amazing & thought-provoking blog post!
It is, indeed, a time for action. WE can’t not afford to “be content”, allowing this socio-economic tragedy to be thrust upon us by politicians, who are more concerned with their professional survival.
WE need men & women of Character/Courage/Integrity to take lead the charge, for the necessary reforms that will help to initiate the changes that are imperative, for ALL nations.
Thank-you, Orrin, for always having the courage to discuss these issues, in an Open forum. It is my hope that the initial spark that is created, through this discussion, will develop into a RAGING INFERNO of proctive Change/Progress, that will benefit the masses!
J & P Harteis said
As we are awaiting the birth of our 8th grandchild, we have a renewed hope in the true spirit of America, & what has made America great! If we say we don’t have a dream now…………how can we not, if we have kids & grandkids? What kind of country will we pass on to them! Thanks Orrin & Oliver, for following the leading of your hearts in writing the book, & for your courage….. going against the current culture of indifference & playing the victim!
Elizabeth Sieracki said
“Free enterprise and the entrepreneurial spirit made America great, and it will do so again” – – Let the LIFE adventure begin. With our amazing leaders and the training system they have given to us we WILL soar.
Lana Harriman said
So thankful Orrin and Oliver in standing up for what is right. Our country is in dire moral and finacial crisis. I really believe Leadershift is going to change the tide of this country from a force shift to a freedom shift.
Eric Rosenow said
This is my purpose to make a difference. I want to change things, and make them last. I want to help people and let me grow to the individuals that God created them to be, not to be held as slaves to government giveaways, and endless regulation. They need to be free, and responsible for their own decisions. Now is the time to end the era of Big Government and Big Business and take back our country…
M & L Parr said
Thank you Orrin and Oliver….. As you say Orrin; ideas have consequences. Your ideas are going to help change the fabric of our nation. Together, we can do this.
As it says in ( Nehemiah 6:2b-4) ” I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” It’s time for us all to stay on the wall and win back our nation. God Bless you both !!!!!
Steve Meixner said
Orrin, another great post and Article by Oliver!! Can’t wait for the book! This Country definitely needs some better Leadership! I would be glad to join a new Party and I have a good feeling that just may happen!!! Steve
Tina Abernathy said
Excellent article Orrin!
Excited about the book what LIFE will do to write history!
ALL in!
AaaaaOoooo
Kristine Militello said
THIS IS EXCITING! Great article! Thanks for posting and leading the way!!!
Kevin Hamm said
Thanks for the post Orrin!
The thinking that Oliver expresses in his article is what caused me to develop a contractor model in my S business. It has made me almost immune to Government regulation. I recently spoke with a missionary from Zimbabwe where the unemployment rate is at 97% and there are no Government social programs. Oddly, or not so, most people find some way to persist through entrepreneurial efforts because they have to or they will not eat. And when their money system completely collapse, life continued on and they were able to adapt, because that is what they do. I find it remarkable the fear that has settled in the American mind. So many are spending hours and hours listening and learning what “the other side” is doing and spending no time on developing themselves. I am so glad to be a member of a self directed education system that I am confident will prepare me for whatever future awaits. Thanks again.
Gordon Goetsch said
Awesome words of wisdom. So blessed to be associated and proud to be following. You are greatly loved!
Maura Galliani said
Can’t WAIT for this book to hit the street … wake up America! Fired up!!
SJ Barakony said
It was a true breath of fresh air to again read that tremendous blog post/article from Oliver DeMille; I fortunately and happily subscribe to his e-letters, and the scholarship and wisdom he imparts simply shines through the dark partisan clouds like a ray of sunshine. I have completely separated myself from the two party system (minus having to remain registered with one since my state’s rules for independents don’t give us much leverage-regretfully), and I am fully the better for it. As George Guzzardo said on a recent audio, paraphrased: This [Leadershift] movement will not rise from the political classes, nor any more established organization; it will come from the mothers, students, farmers, and entrepreneurs. Of course, the doors are wide open for those in the former categories to join us as a member or customer 😉
Alison Ruhlman said
WOW!!!! Great info….THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keith Sieracki said
Sound like the alarm clock of the Western World is going off. It is time for everyone of us to wake up. We cannot afford to hit SNOOZE button again!
Eric Travis said
Orrin, you and Oliver have put yourselves out on a limb for the betterment of the whole world and I personally cannot thank the both of you for being so courageous. All we need now is for the world to catch on to your genius and I personally commit to spreading that word. Thanks for pointing the way, providing the adventure and lighting the pilot light.
Marty Becker said
Orrin,
I’M IN!!! It would be my honor to represent a party with those convictions.
Marty Becker
AOJ1
J.J. said
“if people only change when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change” how has the growth of our welfare system effected our ability as a culture to meet the new challenges that we face? Historically speaking what is the time frame it takes for a dependent society to become independent? Do you believe freedom can exist in a pain free society as ours?
Michael Hartmann said
I never quite considered the fact of our nation’s current political system as Oliver states it: ”
We have a party of Big Government (with big business as its co-pilot), and another party that emphasizes Big Business (with big government as its co-pilot).”
Leadershift will be the foundation of the change we need to see in this country for the sake of our childrens’ future.
Alaysha said
“But rather: “Hey, change happens. We’re excited. This is going to be an adventure!”
That’s the American spirit.”
I love this!! Amen!
MARIO VEGA said
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND EXAMPLE ORRIN. LIBERATORS
Carrie Canniff said
Thank you Orrin & Oliver for taking onthe the tough issues in our country. It seems to me, that people have given up hope for a better future. LeaderShift will provide great framework for a better tomorrow. Can’t wait to read it and share it with others.
Kristen Seidl said
Wow, blessed and thankful to be part of LIFE. A lot of people are looking right now and we have the right vehicle in our hands.
Peggi Kern said
I’m looking forward to the launch of your book. I appreciate Oliver’s article. It helps clarify in my mind the importance of what we’re doing and learning as entrepreneurs. Thank you!
Carrie Canniff said
Thank you Orrin & Oliver for taking on the tough issues in our country. It seems to me, that people have given up hope for a better future. LeaderShift will provide great framework for a better tomorrow. Can’t wait to read it and share it with others.
Neal D. Ruffner said
Wow, thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to get the book!! Our preorder is in!!
Tim Johnson said
Orrin,
Thanks for posting Oliver’s article! So many good points and yes, we do need third party to start changing as a nation.
I know Leadershift will help many people to see where western society really is and understand how we can change for the better. Thanks for serving!
Chris Schill said
It’s time!!! Lets roll!!!
Scott Ballah said
Amazing article on free enterprise Orrin!!! I love the new party concept!!!!
Anthony Nieto said
Wow!!! Now that sounds like the great the America we knew and studied. That is a great descriptive article from Oliver that puts you in the imagination state which we should have. Thanks for that Orrin and I can’t wait on your guys book.
Michael Wright said
O and O thank u providing this forum. From the comments alone you can see we are not alone. Freedom is precious. Lets not let the loss of freedom happen on our watch. Our kids and grand kids expect more of us. LeaderShift is going to be an amazing book to change your LIFE and your family’s LIFE. Good morning America.
Matthew Scott said
I can’t wait to read the book! Oliver portrays the two parties exactly as they stand at this point in time: pretty much the same and both in decline.
Wes smith said
Amazing article! Great points.
Jaimie Badough said
Great article- filled with TRUTH! Can’t wait to read the book!
Robert Daley said
Outstanding blog ! ! !
We truly live in exciting times…. If people really want to make the USA a better place to live for generations to come, now is the time to act
Let’s get our country back to being run as a God fearing nation as it was founded on….
Thank you Orrin for continuing to lead from the front.
God bless
natalie plant said
Amen! This article has made me think. Particularly, it has increased my confidence and appreciation for wanting to school-at-home and provide an income for our family through networking. I know by pursuing independent thinking and building a community, I can best help my family, friends and friends-to-be. This takes guts but I know there are others who know a change must take place. Lets be responsible citizens and lead!
Evan G said
This is a great post. Cannot wait to learn more. Cannot wait for Leadershift to be released. Thanks. Orrin.
Calvin Purchase said
LIFE is not a business. It is a movement. Thank you Orrin for everything you do behind the scenes in order to prepare yourself for what is to come. I am glad that it was you who God choose to lead this movement. I know these are only words, but I am going to play a big part in what’s to come. I just don’t know what that role is specifically just yet.
Margaret Silke said
Australia is in a similar boat. We need to act now. Can’t wait for Freedom Shift to be available. Hopefully the 10% will act.
Randy Robson said
Orrin:
If I had one critique on LeaderShift (more of a personal suggestion), is I wished you guys would written more with the antagonist, Senator Huntington. He seemed like a good villain. I think giving him a larger part would have made it more dramatic and a bigger climax. Thanks!
Orrin Woodward said
Randy, Thanks. We added more to his part at the end, but I agree he could have done more and maybe he will in the future. 🙂 thanks, Orrin